Best Miter Saws of 2022

1. Why invest in a miter saw?

Miter saws are typically used for achieving perfect 90° crosscuts or angle cuts into lumber, but can also be employed in other types of projects, such as cutting window trims or in arts & crafts projects.

Depending on the type of miter saw, its size, and capabilities, you can typically use this tool for:

• Regular crosscuts
• Angled cuts
• Compound angle cuts
• Bevel cuts
• Trim work
• Crown molding work
• Repeatable cuts

2. Types of miter saws

There are three types of miter saws, simple, compound, and sliding.

• Simple miter saws: Are perfect for simple projects like making crosscuts and miter cuts or trim work. They have a limited cutting capacity and no bevel option, but these machines typically provide highly accurate results. Simple miter saws are the most affordable, lightweight, and perfect for those who usually cut boards of 2×6 inches or smaller.
• Compound miter saws: Incorporate all the characteristics of a simple model but can also make bevel cuts. You can choose from single or dual bevel models that can tilt cut in one or both directions. These machines are perfect for either simple or more complex work like cutting crown molding.
• Sliding miter saws: Are the most versatile but also the most expensive. These machines come with all the features of a compound model plus a sliding arm which allows cutting wider and thicker workpieces. These saws can typically accommodate pieces as wide as 12 inches, but the extra parts involved in their construction make them heavier and harder to transport.

Most miter saws come with predrilled holes that allow users to mount them on the workbench, and the vast majority are also compatible with miter saw stands.

3. Bench mounted vs. miter saw stand

Whether it’s your workshop bench or a miter saw stand, your miter saw will need support.

Mounting the saw to the workbench is ideal if you have little space in your workshop or don’t want to spend extra for a dedicated stand. But the truth is a miter saw stand can really make a difference regarding cutting accuracy.

In broad lines, a miter saw stand:

• Provides you with a stable surface to make accurate cuts.
• Allows you to do measurements and create marking for perfect alignments.
• Supports longer workpieces, facilitating feeding.
• Reduces the risk of injuries.
• Some miter saw stands come with wheels and are foldable, making them easy to transport from place to place.

We have already treated this subject and featured some of the best miter saw stands on the market in a previous guide.

4. Miter saw power

Most miter saws come with either a 10-Amp or 15-Amp motor, although a small range features a 12-Amp motor. The amperes determine the power of the tool and the higher the number, the more powerful your miter saw should be.

Typically, the 10-Amp motors are employed by the smaller 8-inch saws, whereas the 15-Amp motors equip the larger miter saws using blades of 10 or 12 inches.

5. Cutting speed

Most miter saws on the market deliver cutting speeds between 3,500 and 5,000 revolutions per minute (RPM), and some commercial miter saws even exceed this range. This cutting speeds are ideal to cut through a variety of materials including soft and hardwood, plywood, plastics, and metal.

How many RPM do you need?

Different materials require different cutting speeds, but the cutting speed also determines the finish of the cut. Fine cuts and harder materials require lower speeds, whereas softer materials and coarse cuts require faster speeds.

Below, the ideal cutting speeds for the most common workshop applications:

• 3,800-5,000 RPM: Cutting softwood and hardwood
• 3,800-4,500 RPM: Cutting plastics
• 3,500 RPM: Cutting aluminum and other soft metals

6. Best miter saw blades

The size of the blade determines the depth of the cut, and most miter saws come with 8, 10, or 12-inch blades. Besides the size, you must also consider the number of teeth and the material of the blade to make sure it is suitable for your project.

Blade types

Miter saws use three popular types of blades:

• Steel blades: Are the most affordable but also the weakest; these blades tend to lose their sharpness quickly when used on harder materials but are ideal for softwood.
• High-speed steel blades: Stronger than the steel ones are made to work at high speeds and to stay sharp for longer. These blades can typically handle softwood, plastics, and soft metals.
• Carbide blades: Are the most expensive but also the most reliable. These blades can usually cut through all materials and are engineered to provide smoother cuts with little tear out. This type is ideal for works that require maximum accuracy and precision.

Most high-speed steel and carbide blades can cut through soft metals but miter saw blades specifically for cutting through metal are also available. They are similar to the traditional miter saw blades used for performing fine cuts and manufacturers typically write on the blade’s label what materials it can handle.

Coarse vs. fine cut blades

All types of blades can be manufactured for coarse or fine cuts, and the manufacturers specify on the blade what type of cut it is made for.

• Coarse cut blades: Can rip cut and crosscut untreated softwood and hardwood, and plywood.
• Fine cut blades: Are manufactured for precision crosscuts in all types of wood and general cuts in harder materials like wood core plywood, laminated chipboards, and parquet.

Assessing miter saw blade teeth?

The number of teeth on the blade determines how accurate the cut will be. On a 10-inch blade you will need:

• 24 teeth: To rip cut the materials at higher speeds.
• 70 or more teeth: For smooth, fine cuts at lower speeds.

7. Cutting precision

Two important features that help you achieve accurate cuts are the angle stops and the laser guide.

• Angle stops: Are also called detents and are set at regular intervals to help you add or subtract an angle from the cut. The angle stop locks the saw in position helping you perform repeatable cuts with maximum precision. Most compound and sliding miter saws have both bevel and miter stops.
• Laser guide: Shows you the exact path of the blade, helping you line it up on the workpiece for higher precision. While experienced woodworkers might not always need this feature, it is definitely a nice thing to have for the novice woodworkers.

8. Other important features

The best miter saw must also come with other important features including:

• A reliable electric brake and fence guards for safer operation. The electric brake can stop the blade from spinning almost instantly.
• An effective dust collection system to help keep your work area clean. This system also increases the tool’s lifespan.
• Ergonomic grip for a more comfortable operation. An ambidextrous trigger is another nice thing to have if you want to operate the tool with either hand.
• Look for a tool with table extension if you also want to cut longer workpieces.
• Some of the best miter saws have a digital display that provides miter and bevel information for quicker adjustments.
• Miter saw stand: Some miter saws come with integrated stands, or you could buy a compatible stand if you need mobility or have a little space on the workbench. For a review of the best miter saw stands see our other buying guide.